Encephalartos paucidentatus young leaves

These young Encephalartos paucidentatus leaves bear evidence of vigorous growth on a healthy plant. The plant is a forest species, thriving and growing fast in some shade on rocky slopes. 

Seen from below, i.e. the outer, lower or its abaxial surface, a leaflet of this cycad shows prominent longitudinal ridges, not close up enough in the photo to be visible. These ridges are parallel veins, distinctive as an identifier of the species.

The species is related to E. heenanii (Hugo, 2014; Coates Palgrave, 2002; iNaturalist; www.plantzafrica.com).